by Geoff Robson

In the wake of the Diocese of New Westminster’s decision last year to bless same-sex unions, debate over which one of two Canadian bishops will have episcopal oversight of conservative parishes in the Diocese represents the latest round in the ongoing controversy.

But the rector of a large evangelical church in the Diocese says that despite the latest developments, the debate remains much more than a political struggle, and even goes beyond the issue of sexuality.

The Rev David Short, a native of Sydney and rector of St John’s, Shaughnessy in Vancouver, is one of several Christian leaders who have been outspoken in opposing the decision, taken by the diocesan Synod last year, to approve the blessing of same-sex unions in Anglican churches.

But Mr Short says that despite the current controversy, homosexuality is not the central issue. Rather he says that the understanding of the Bible and the gospel are at the heart of the debate.

“[Same-sex unions] is the issue that sticks up above the water, but it shows that there is an iceberg underneath,” he said. “If we allow it to go ahead, it will sink the ship.

“It touches the gospel at the point of repentance. It reduces the gospel message to one of acceptance without transformation, of love without truth, and of Jesus being Saviour without being Lord.”

Yukon Synod backs Bishop Buckle

In June 2002, the Diocese of New Westminster voted in favour of blessing same-sex unions. Eight conservative parishes opposed the decision and later called for the introduction of ‘Alternative Episcopal Oversight’, where a bishop from outside the diocese would be appointed to oversee the parishes.

In February, Bishop Terry Buckle of the Canadian Diocese of Yukon offered to provide this oversight, an offer accepted by the eight parishes. Bishop Buckle’s offer has received the backing of seven Anglican primates from around the world, as well as the approval of the diocesan Synod of Yukon.

Bishop Michael Ingham of New Westminster has refused to accept Bishop Buckle’s involvement, threatening legal and disciplinary action against Bishop Buckle and any parishes that place themselves under his authority. Bishop Ingham later offered to provide an ‘Episcopal Visitor’ for the conservative parishes and last month appointed Bishop William Hockin to this role. Bishop Hockin will be available to teach, preach, preside at worship and provide pastoral care for clergy and parishioners.

However David Short says the Episcopal Visitor will have no jurisdiction or control, and ‘will be at the complete discretion and control of Bishop Ingham’ and is therefor an unacceptable alternative.

“He is being used as a pawn to paste over the biblical and theological chasm that exists, the rupture in communion that followed from the decision to bless same-sex unions, and the united testimony of Scripture, tradition, the Lambeth Conference and even the stated position of the [Canadian] House of Bishops,” he said.

Mr Short believes that Bishop Buckle’s offer may be ‘the start of a realignment’ in the Anglican Communion. “It is the most faithful, gracious, effective way forward without splitting the Anglican Church of Canada,” he said.

“If the New Testament is right, there can be no genuine communion with those who advocate sin and reject the teachings of Christ. It is a nonsense to imagine things can continue without a major realignment within the global Communion. The blessing of same-sex unions is a symptom of two different religions, or two different and incompatible faiths under the umbrella of one denomination.”

While a ‘conscience clause’ to ensure that no parish is forced to comply with the decision has been put in place, conservatives are concerned that the clause will be lifted after a period of time or that future appointees in the Diocese will be forced to agree to the measure.

Mr Short also says the issue is much bigger than a matter of individual conscience. “It’s like saying that idolatry is a conscience issue,” he said. “It is not an option for the church to change its mind on this, when Scripture is so clear on the issue.”